In the News...

We're excited to share some recent news coverage involving people and programs at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura:

Lance Orozco, award-winning News Director for KCLU 88.3 FM, interviewed TWC V/V Co-Founder and VP of Programs Marty Nason, RN, MN, and TWC V/V participant Linda Scott. The resulting story, "Holidays have special meaning for many facing health issues," is worth checking out. Click here to listen.

The Ventura County Star featured TWC V/V's new CAREing & COPEing programs for breast cancer patients and caregivers, on December 23. Click here to read the article, which features comments from Marty Nason.

If you attended our recent Holiday Homes Tour, or couldn't make it but want to know what it's all about, check out "Holiday Homes Tour raises funds for county cancer programs" in the Ventura County Star. The article is accompanied by a photo slide show. (Photos by Chuck Kirman.)

Here at TWC V/V we are looking forward to another year full of newsworthy programs to help people with cancer and their families fight for their recovery. Happy New Year!

The Supporting Role of a Lifetime

As a caregiver, I have been "through the ringer" on many levels, but am living proof that it can be done. I've learned how to be open to the abundant caring and support of others. I've learned, at new levels how to say "yes please" and "thank you" with deep gratitude.
-Mark, a breast cancer caregiver and Wellness Community participant



The role of cancer caregiver is a challenging one, indeed. Cancer caregivers devote time and energy to their loved one—providing physical, emotional, financial, spiritual or logistical support—and often do not take the time to focus on their own needs.

There is a great need to address the wellbeing of cancer caregivers and arm them with strategies and skills that enhance their ability to provide supportive care to their loved ones while avoiding burnout.

In response to this need, The Wellness Community – with support from The Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust – has developed the CAREing & COPEing workshop.

This exciting 4-week program, beginning January 12, 2010, will provide education and support to people with breast cancer and loved ones. Each week, participants will gather for two hours to learn more about how to live through and beyond breast cancer. Participants will join in a group setting working in pairs; each pair consisting of the cancer survivor and her support person. The series is free of charge.

We are currently seeking breast cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers who are interested in participating in the CAREing & COPEing program. An interview and pre-registration is required. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must register in pairs containing one breast cancer patient and one caregiver, whether spouse, sibling, child, friend or other family member. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jodi McIntosh at (805) 379-4777.